Amgen rides through Santa Paula

Fans watch cyclists begin their climb toward Ojai

Since there wasn't a finish line in Santa Paula, fans spread out along the Amgen Tour of California race course.

Some of them rode their own bikes to the intersection of Harvard and 10th Street.

That's where they waited for the race to turn the corner.

Local fans said they have watched them race through their city before but not on the same course.

After riding by Magic Mountain Wednesday afternoon, the racers headed to Ventura County.

They raced along Highway 23 and made their way to Mountain Road before riding under Highway 126 and heading into Santa Paula.

Five cyclists were nearly four minutes ahead of the pack. That gave fans a chance to see two groups of riders race by.

Roland Trejo has been following the sport since Greg LeMond was a star. Trejo said he wanted to see who would be K-O-M. In cycling lingo that means king of the mountain or the cyclist who gets to the top of the hill first.

Some fans said they are hoping a new rider from the USA will make a name for himself so that the sport will become more popular.

Jason Pugh said cycling has changed his life. He has lost 40 pounds since he started riding. Pugh said he loves following the tour and may drive up to see the final stages too.